What to Do When Your Home Insurance Claim is Denied

If you have had your home insurance claim denied, you need to know the options you still have available. Having a home insurance claim denied can be devastating, so you should look to challenge the decision in any way you can by reading your policy, understanding the reason for the company’s decision, and working with an experienced attorney to get the money that you deserve.

TIP: The most important thing to remember is that you do not have to go through a denied home insurance claim on your own. Contact a home insurance attorney for assistance as soon as possible.

Why Your Home Insurance Claim is Denied

If your home insurance claim has been denied you probably learned about the denial in a letter you received from the homeowners insurance adjuster assigned to the claim. The letter will explain the reason your home insurance claim has been denied, and reference the portion of your policy that supports the company’s decision. If the letter does not fully explain why your home insurance claim is denied, clarify the reason with your adjuster. There are a few common reasons that insurance companies can deny home insurance claims:

• There is no coverage for the cause of loss. There are many types of home insurance policies that cover different disasters and if the damage to your home was not caused by a covered peril then your policy will not pay for your loss. For example, if you do not have flood insurance and your home was destroyed by a flood then you will not get money from your insurance carrier. Watch how the insurance company classifies what caused your damage and make sure their assessment is accurate!
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• The loss happened outside of the policy coverage period.
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• You did not fulfill an obligation or condition of coverage in the policy. For example, you did not prevent further damage, you are not cooperating with the insurance company, or you did not pay your insurance premiums.

There are cases where the reason for a denied homeowners insurance claim are clear, however, there are those times where the decision is not so black and white. Keep in mind that if the insurance company finds a gray area, they will typically favor denying the claim and saving money! Contacting an attorney who is an expert in homeowners insurance settlements and denials is your best option to get the payout you deserve. Hiring a legal expert that can assist in explaining and navigating the complex language of the insurance contract or policy can help you fight your denial.

What to do After Your Homeowners Insurance Claim is Denied

In order to prepare for to dispute a denied homeowners insurance claim, make sure you follow some simple tips:

1. Keep complete and accurate records! Record every conversation, hold onto every receipt, and store any letters or emails you exchange with your insurance company.
2. Get out your policy and read the section referenced in your home insurance denial letter carefully. Does it apply to your cause of loss at all? If not, note the reason in your letter to the insurance company.
3. It is possible that the cause of the damage was not communicated properly to the insurance company. If you find this to be the case, draft a letter to your home insurance adjuster explaining any discrepancy listed. Make certain you are specific and only address the incorrect information outlined in their letter.
4. If you feel that there was a gross delay in handling your claim or lack of fair dealing, you should file a complaint with the Department of Insurance for your state.

Taking action to dispute a home insurance claim that has been denied can be difficult. Home insurance adjusters have years of expertise when dealing with the language and coverage issues of the insurance contract. Consulting with an attorney will help you fight your denied homeowners insurance claim. An attorney can help you dispute your home insurance claim denial or even file a lawsuit to get the settlement you deserve.

If you need an attorney because your home insurance claim is denied, click here and one will review your case for free. Consultations are free and could help you get your claim paid! Don’t wait to get the homeowner’s insurance settlement you deserve. Contact an attorney in your area today.

Case Studies: What to Do When Your Home Insurance Claim is Denied

Case Study 1: The Mysterious Water Damage

Mr. Smith filed a home insurance claim for water damage in his basement caused by a leaking pipe. To his dismay, the insurance company denied the claim, citing that the damage was due to the homeowner’s negligence in maintaining the property. Mr. Smith was perplexed by the denial and sought legal assistance.

Mr. Smith decided to consult an experienced home insurance attorney to review his policy and the reasons for denial. With the attorney’s help, he discovered that the insurance adjuster had overlooked crucial evidence proving that the damage resulted from a covered peril. The attorney helped him build a strong case to challenge the denial.

The attorney’s expertise in homeowners’ insurance settlements and denials enabled Mr. Smith to appeal the decision effectively. As a result, the insurance company reconsidered and granted him the settlement he deserved, covering the repairs and restoration of his basement.

Case Study 2: The Ambiguous Fire Claim

Mrs. Johnson experienced a house fire, leading to significant damage to her property and personal belongings. She promptly filed a home insurance claim, expecting full coverage for the losses. However, the insurance company denied her claim, stating that the fire originated from an excluded cause, an unattended fireplace.

Feeling uncertain about the reason for denial, Mrs. Johnson reached out to her insurance adjuster for clarification. Unsatisfied with the explanation, she decided to consult a home insurance attorney for further assistance.

The attorney carefully reviewed her policy and the circumstances surrounding the fire incident. It was revealed that the investigation conducted by the insurance company was flawed, and there was no conclusive evidence supporting their claim that Mrs. Johnson left the fireplace unattended. Armed with this insight, the attorney helped Mrs. Johnson take legal action against the insurance company.

Case Study 3: The Storm Damage Dispute

Mr. Lee filed a claim for storm damage caused by a severe hailstorm that hit his neighborhood. Despite clear evidence of hail damage to his roof and windows, the insurance company denied his claim, asserting that the damage preexisted the storm.

Disheartened by the denial, Mr. Lee contacted a reputable home insurance attorney to assess his situation. The attorney conducted an independent inspection and gathered expert opinions to prove that the damage was indeed a result of the hailstorm.

Armed with strong evidence and the attorney’s guidance, Mr. Lee entered into negotiations with the insurance company. The attorney’s expertise in dealing with insurance contract language and coverage issues enabled a successful resolution. The insurance company eventually reversed their decision and paid the claim to cover the repair costs.